Kamla
Kamla has worked with our family for over half a century, for sure. She started working as a young adult [probably late teens, early 20's] for my nani [maternal gradmother, we fondly refer to her as Amma], back when my mom was a toddler [correct me if I'm wrong peoples]. She was absolutely devoted to Amma, and now to Haroon Mama, and has cared for all of us in the family at some point in time. My older cousins and I grew up around her [sometimes hiding her tobacco pouch] , Zaydu and Daniella grew up with her yelling at them whenever they were up to no good. She was Amma's staunch assistant back in the day when the famous "rainbow" cakes were made almost daily at Aga Abbas Ali road, before mixers and grinders found their way into the kitchen. It was common for us to enter the kitchen and see Kamla in the corner, mixing the batter vigorously, with Amma standing over her, slowly pouring various food colorings into the creamy white batter.
Today, Kamla [aka, Victoria, Vicky, Kammy] is over 80 years old - this is my guesstimate - and although she is still going strong, she hasn't been able to work for years now. However, she still lives in my mama's house, and is taken care of by the family, for she has no family of her own. She's happy with her tobacco, "sapaad" [Tamil for food], strong black tea and glucose buscuits - the most important of those items is her tobacco. Most of the time she doesnt' recognize people, but I like to think that she remembers me, and knows who I am. She's staying with us for a couple of days, a little change from the ordinary - so I see her everyday, which brings back alot of memories.
I have a great fondness for Kamla - she's a part of my past, and a part of alot of memories of Amma. She's also a part of my Bangalore. I say that rather selfishly, so maybe I should rephrase. Kamla is part of the Ali Mohammed Bangalore - for I know there are many members of our family that remember her fondly, ask about her often, and also have her in their memories. Several of our favorite, funny "Amma" memories have something to do with Kamala and her antics! So, for all you Ali Mohammeds that haven't seen Kamla in a while, click here.
Today, Kamla [aka, Victoria, Vicky, Kammy] is over 80 years old - this is my guesstimate - and although she is still going strong, she hasn't been able to work for years now. However, she still lives in my mama's house, and is taken care of by the family, for she has no family of her own. She's happy with her tobacco, "sapaad" [Tamil for food], strong black tea and glucose buscuits - the most important of those items is her tobacco. Most of the time she doesnt' recognize people, but I like to think that she remembers me, and knows who I am. She's staying with us for a couple of days, a little change from the ordinary - so I see her everyday, which brings back alot of memories.
I have a great fondness for Kamla - she's a part of my past, and a part of alot of memories of Amma. She's also a part of my Bangalore. I say that rather selfishly, so maybe I should rephrase. Kamla is part of the Ali Mohammed Bangalore - for I know there are many members of our family that remember her fondly, ask about her often, and also have her in their memories. Several of our favorite, funny "Amma" memories have something to do with Kamala and her antics! So, for all you Ali Mohammeds that haven't seen Kamla in a while, click here.
posted by zai5h at Thursday, June 23, 2005
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